chest conditions Flashcards
what is the cause of asthma?
inflammation of the bronchi leading to contraction of smooth muscle and mucus secretion
what triggers asthma?
cold air
animal fur
upper respiratory tract infection
pollution
what are s&s of asthma?
SOB
cough
tight chest
which tests are done for asthma?
spirometry
peak expiratory flow rate
what are the treatment options for asthma?
reliever inhalers (blue): relax the smooth muscles (short and long acting β2 agonist)
preventer inhalers (brown): reduce inflammation, oedema and mucus secretion (corticosteroids)
what conditions does COPD consist of?
emphysema: damaged alveoli, leading to alveolar collapse
chronic bronchitis: inflammation of the bronchi leading to a chronic cough
what is the primary cause of COPD?
smoking
what are the s&s of COPD?
SOB
coughing
breathlessness on exertion
use of accessory breathing muscles
pursed lips
hyper-inflated chest
reduced chest expansion
tachypnoeic (>20 breaths per minute)
downwardly placed liver
underweight
wheezing
which test is done for the diagnosis of COPD?
spirometry
what is the management for COPD?
refer to GP
advice of smoking
pulmonary rehabilitation
inhalers (same as asthma)
what is costochondritis?
inflammation of the cartilage (costo-chondral, sternal and clavicular)
what is the main cause of costochondritis?
upper respiratory tract infection
what are s&s for costochondritis?
anterior chest wall pain
sharp pain
worse on breathing, coughing, sneezing and physical activity
what is the treatment for costochondritis?
settles with time
contraindication for manipulation
what is angina?
chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart
what is the difference between stable and unstable angina?
stable angina is precipitated by predictable factors
unstable angina occurs at any time
what are the s&s for angina?
discomfort in L chest, neck, shoulder, jaw and arm
precipitated by exertion/emotion
relieved by rest or Glyceryl Tri-Nitrate within 5 minutes
what is the diagnostic test for angina?
blood test for troponins
what is the management for angina?
lifestyle modification
medication: statins, glyceryl Tri nitrate, β blockers, nitrates
surgery: angioplasty, coronary bypass graft